Bangor's Back - But Watch Nazareth Colonial League

The Colonial League teams have been laughed at by the larger enrollment schools in the East Penn Conference and Centennial League, but last year, the Colonials got their revenge.

Bangor humbled powerful Bethlehem Catholic 28-7 in the District 11 Class 2A playoff game to shock the status quo and complete an undefeated season.

This season, despite graduation of key players, Bangor again looks like a contender. The Slaters will be sorely challenged by Nazareth, a team that, on paper at least, is the preseason favorite. Don't count Wilson out, either, according to eight of the league's nine coaches.

Players are always a key to success, and the Colonial League has several good ones this season. Nazareth has an outstanding quarterback in Tom Silvius, and an excellent receiver in Chris Garr; Wilson features running back Matt Cascioli, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a junior, and Southern Lehigh features high-spirited running back Scott Baker. Had it not been for some very untimely penalties, Baker might be regarded as the best back in the league heading into the season.

Following is a short synopsis of each team:

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BANGOR - Paul Farnan

Coming back from a 12-0 season and beating up an East Penn Conference power for the District 11 Class 2A title truly sounds like a challenge, and Bangor's coach Farnan is smiling about it.

"I'm glad to be in this position," he said. "Certainly, (paybacks from last year) have got to be expected, but we've got to be considered a contender in our league along with about four other teams."

The Slaters are returning some top quality seniors and feel the leadership aspect will pay off. Offensive starters include left tackle Eric Ball (5-10, 190), split end and district sprint champion Steve Lapekas (5-9, 160), left halfback Rodney Heard (5-7, 160) and right halfback Dave DeRea (5-10, 185).

The Slaters hope to once again rely on their running game but are looking to find improvement in the offensive line. Farnan feels the team is a better defensive than offensive machine at this early juncture.

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CATASAUQUA - Ed Csencsits

With just four returning starters, Csencsits and his staff certainly have some work to do to improve last year's 6-5 showing.

"For us to have a real good season, we're going to have some sophomores play, start for us, and that's really unusual," said Csencsits, who is starting his 10th season. "Our numbers in ninth and 10th grades aren't bad, but for some reason, our junior and senior numbers are smaller than we're accustomed."

"We've got very few upperclassmen, but most of them look like pretty good ballplayers. I feel we'll be competitive," Csencsits stated.

The offensive fortunes will probably rely on Fickes, who did play some quarterback while starting in the defensive backfield as a sophomore. "We've got to get better on defense," Csencsits said. "I think last year was our worst overall defensive effort in quite a few years. It was basically poor."

While the Rough Riders lost most of last year's team, they are hoping to begin the foundation for future success with a winning 1988 season.

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NAZARETH - Dick Ortwein

Ortwein doesn't like to talk about returning starters, just numbers.

"I'm returning 25 seniors, 22 juniors and there will be 29 sophomores, so that's 76 kids," he said optimistically. "Of those, 18 seniors have had considerable playing time and six or seven juniors have a lot of playing time."

The Blue Eagles are led by the pass-catch tandem of Tom Silvius (5-11, 175 senior QB) and Chris Garr (6-1, 185 senior receiver). Both have made lists as blue chippers, Garr more than Silvius.

Silvius has thrown for over 3,200 yards in two seasons, while running back Jon Shimer (5-11, 177) rushed for 970 yards last year. Add over 400 rushing yards from junior fullback Tony Silimperi (6-0, 210), and Nazareth exhibits a very diversified offense.

Other top returnees for the Blue Eagles include tight end Carl Bergen, pro back Kevin Wenrich, tackle Bill O'Brien and 5-11, 196-pound junior guard Scott McIntyre.

"Getting the right people in the right spots," is the only weakness Ortwein can perceive in his troops. "No one's secured of a job, but when a guy plays there two years, he's pretty hard to dislodge.

"All our skill people are back and have been playing for two years, so there's quite a bit of experience to this point."

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PALISADES - Ed Ruisz

Palisades recorded its most wins in a decade last season by compiling a 5-6 record, and coach Ruisz doesn't feel the job is complete.